One of Australia's most distinguished scholars will be recognised for his contribution to the public good - and in particular his generosity towards Charles Sturt University - when Professor Ralph Slatyer is awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Applied Science during graduation celebrations at the Wagga Wagga Campus today.

On his retirement as Australia's first Chief Scientist and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Science and Technology (1989-92), Professor Slatyer gave a significant library collection to CSU, which includes more than 1000 publications on ecology, environment and climate, science and technology policy, and complete sets of CSIRO journals from the mid-1950's.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Wagga Wagga Campus Professor Kath Bowmer said the University was most appreciative of this generous gift, and proud to honour his lifetime works and achievements.

"Professor Slatyer's pursuit of excellence, together with his personal generosity and sensitivity, has profoundly influenced Australian and international science policy," she said.

"Today he continues to enrich science and influence policy through his appointment as Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Australian National University Research School of Biological Sciences. His main continuing interest is in enhancing Australia's economic and social development in environmentally sustainable ways through the innovative application of science and technology."

Professor Slatyer is a fellow of three academies - the Australian Academy of Science, the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and the Royal Society of London. He was awarded the Ecological Society of Australia Gold Medal in 1993, the ANZAAS Medal in 1991, the Australian Medal for Agricultural Science in 1968 and the Edgeworth David Medal in 1960. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1982 and, in 1993, became a Companion of the Order (AC).

As one of three honorary doctorates to be conferred during this weeks' graduation ceremonies on the Wagga Wagga Campus, Professor Slatyer's presentation will be made at today's morning ceremony (Thursday 22 April) starting at 10.30am in Joyes Hall.